Manchester United are thriving under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, their defence still seems to be incapable of holding on to a clean sheet and as such, they are expected to go into the transfer window seeking reinforcements to bolster their defence. Now, Manchester United are preparing to launch a £34 million bid for AS Roma ace Kostas Manolas.

The Greek international has a £34 million release clause in his agreement and Manchester United are keen on triggering it in January. Several top defenders have been linked with Manchester United.

Kalidou Koulibaly is another Serie A ace who has been linked with the Old Trafford outfit. They were desperate to sign a centre-back last summer as well.

However, Mourinho wanted experienced centre-backs to marshall the defence and this led to a disagreement between the board and the manager.

With the top brass having decided that they want to bring young players to the club, a deal for the 27-year-old Manolas could get okayed. But with a host of clubs being linked with him, Manchester United might want to act quickly.The 27-year-old has been with the Rome side for over four years and has established himself as one of the most reliable centre-halves in the Serie A. After making nearly 200 appearances he is seen to be entering the peak of his career – and is seen as a safer bet that Victor Lindelof or Eric Bailly.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is believed to be an admirer of Manolas from his time in charge of Napoli, while Arsenal also retained an interest.Manchester United have been linked with Tottenham Hotspur’s Toby Alderweireld, Leicester’s Harry Maguire and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly. However with his release clause, Manolas may represent better value than all of them.